How to format a memory card in a Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Formatting a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that every user sooner or later encounters. SD-Before selling a device, fixing read errors or preparing a drive for use as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), it is important to do it correctly. Incorrect formatting can cause data loss, file system damage, or even card failure.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current formatting methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from the standard tools in the settings menu to advanced methods through Recovery and the computer. We’ll focus on formatting the map as internal storage (for Android 9 and later), as this process has nuances that are not mentioned anywhere, and you’ll learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone doesn’t see the map after formatting.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the start

Before you start formatting, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and possible crashes.

• 📱 Backup. Copy all important files (photos, videos, documents) from the card to your computer or cloud storage. Formatting will delete everything forever.
• 🔋 Charge the phone. Make sure the battery level is at least 50.
• 🔍 Check the card for errors. If the card is detected intermittently, try reading it on another device.
• 📌 File system, please. For cards up to 32 GB, it's fine. FAT32, for large volumes, exFAT or NTFS (The latter is not supported by all Xiaomi models).

If you plan to use the card as an internal memory, consider:

• ⚠️ After formatting in this mode, the card will not be removed without resetting the phone to the factory settings.
• ⚠️ Not all apps support Adoptable Storage. System updates can reset settings.

2. Method 1: Formatting through phone settings (the easiest method)

This is a basic method that is suitable for most users: it allows you to format the card as a portable storage (for files) or as internal memory (for installing applications).

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Put the card in your phone and wait for it to be determined.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Memory card (or Warehouse) → SD-map depending on the firmware version).
3. Click Format (or Configure to use as internal memory).
4. Select formatting type: Portable storage – the card will be used for files (photos, music, etc.) Internal memory – the card will become part of the system (applications can be installed on it).

Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).

If the option is not available, internal memory means:

• 📵 Your Xiaomi model does not support Adoptable Storage (relevant for Android 10 devices)+ limited-capability).
• 🔄 The card has already been formatted in this mode on another phone (it must first be cleaned via PC).

Method 2: Formatting as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows you to expand the internal memory of the phone with a memory card, but it has limitations.

• 🔒 The map will be encrypted and tied to the device, and on another phone it will not be able to read without resetting.
• ⚡ The speed of the card affects performance. Class cards are recommended for this mode. A1/A2 or UHS-I/UHS-II.
• 📉 Some apps (such as WhatsApp or banking) may not work with such a card.

Step-by-step instructions for MIUI:

1. Put the card in the phone.
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map → Set up.
3. Choose Internal Memory.
4. Read the warning and click Clean and format.
5. Wait until the process is completed (the process can take up to 20 minutes depending on the size of the card).
6. Once you restart, the phone will suggest you transfer the data to the map, and you can do it manually later.

If there is no option, try:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (in new versions) MIUI function may be concealed).
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB for compulsory inclusion (instruction in the following section).

Method 3: Formatting with Recovery Mode (for power users)

This method will come in handy if the phone doesn't boot or the card isn't formatted through standard settings. Recovery Mode is a service mode that allows you to perform low-level operations.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English).
4. Go to Advanced → Format SD Card (or Wipe → Format Data if you need to clear your internal memory).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Reboot your phone (Reboot → System)

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI Recovery may not be the option to format a map. Don't confuse it with Wipe Data, which is a factory reset of your phone!

⚠️ Note: If you format the card as internal memory through Recovery, you may need to reset the phone after the reboot.

If your Recovery doesn’t have a map formatting option, use ADB (see next section) or format via your computer.

5. Method 4: Computer formatting (Windows/macOS/Linux)

If the phone refuses to format the card, you can do it via a PC, which is also useful if the card is defined as "unformatted" or has an unknown file system.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the card to the computer through the card reader.
2. Open this computer (My computer), find a removable disk (map).
3. Right-click on the mouse button → Format.
4. Choose the file system: FAT32 - for cards up to 32 GB (maximum compatibility); exFAT - for cards from 64 GB (supported by all modern Xiaomi); NTFS - not recommended (may not be readable on the phone).

Start.

For macOS:

1. Connect the map.
2. Open the Disk Utility (Applications → Utilities)
3. Select the map in the left menu → click Erase.
4. Specify the format of MS-DOS (FAT) (for FAT32) or ExFAT.
5. Press Erase and confirm.

If the card is not formatted (the error "Windows failed to complete the formatting"), use the SD Formatter utility from the SD Association:

1. Download the program from the official website: sdcard.org.
2. Install and run the SD Formatter.
3. Select the card → press Option → set FULL (Erase).
4. Press Format and wait until it is completed.

Method 5: Formatting via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to format the card as internal memory even if the option is hidden in MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔗 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell


sm list-disks

1. You will see a list of disks (e.g., disk:179.64).
2. Enter the command to format as internal memory (replace disk:179.64 with your identifier):

sm partition disk:179,64 private

1. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone can restart).
2. After the reboot, the card will be available as internal memory.

If you need to format your card as a portable storage, use:

sm partition disk:179,64 public

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause data loss or system failure. Make sure you provide the correct disk ID!

💡

If the card is not determined after formatting through ADB, try sm set-force-adoptable true before Partition. This will force Adoptable Storage mode to be activated.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, there can be problems.

• 🚫 Map is not formatted ("Formatting error"): Try formatting it on PC with the help of SD Formatter. Check the card for physical damage (scratches, chips). If the card is old, it may be worn out (check with the help of the card). H2testw).
• 🔄 Phone doesn't see card after formatting: Reboot device. Try inserting card into another slot (if any). Update phone firmware (in newer versions) MIUI Errors of working with storage devices can be corrected).
• 📉 The card runs slowly after formatting as internal memory: Use the class card A2 or UHS-I. Don't put heavy games on it, they'll slow you down. Only map light apps (messengers, social media).

If the card is identified as damaged, but you are sure of its serviceability, try:

1. Format it in FAT32 via PC.
2. Check for viruses (sometimes they block access).
3. DiskPart utility in Windows: diskpart list disk select disk X (where X is your card number) clean create partition primary format fs=fat32 quick

💡

If the card is no longer defined as internal memory after formatting, the only way to return it to its original state is to reset the phone to factory settings or format via a PC.

8.How to check the card after formatting

After formatting, it is recommended to make sure that the map works correctly.

• 📊 Speed Check: Use the App A1 SD Bench (available on Google Play) Write/read speed should match the card class.
• 🔍 Error Check: Open Disk Properties in Windows → Service → Check it out.
• 📁 Write/read test: Copy a large file (such as a movie) onto a map and delete it and check if any errors have occurred.
• 🛡️ Authentication Check: Utility H2testw will help to identify fake cards (the claimed volume does not correspond to the real one).

If you use the card as an internal memory, check:

• ✅ Can I install applications on it (Settings) → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change).
• ✅ Are files (photos, videos) saved to the card by default.
• ✅ Are there any lags when you start applications from the map.

If the card is unstable (for example, disappears after a reboot), this may indicate:

• 🔋 Problems with slot contacts (clean them with alcohol).
• 🔧 File system incompatibility (try exFAT instead of file system incompatibility) NTFS).
• 🚨 Hardware wear of the card (replace it).

FAQ: Frequent questions about map formatting in Xiaomi